Abstract
Purpose The role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in enhancing capability development of the healthcare professionals workforce has resulted in work based learning becoming an essential component of awards linked to professional registration. This study explores how key stakeholders (academics, workplace tutors and students) on a programme leading to registration as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS) position themselves in their role and the subsequent impact of this upon delivery of pre-registration training and the development of professional capability. Methodology Constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methodology and a mixed-methods approach were drawn upon for the study. Findings Findings expose the challenges of a positivist focus and assumptions around workplace learning and professional development presenting a barrier to developing professional capability. In addressing this barrier two strategies of ‘doing the portfolio’ and ‘gaining BMS currency’ are adopted. The registration portfolio has become an objective reductionist measure of learning, reflecting the positivist typology of practice in this profession. Practical Implications To ensure that students are supported to develop not only technical skills but also professional capability there is a need for a paradigm shift from a positivist episteme to one that embraces both the positivist and socio-cultural paradigms, viewing them as complimentary and parallel. Originality/ Value The study provides a novel insight into how stakeholders interact with the pressures of internal and external influences and the impact this has upon behaviours and strategies adopted. The theoretical understanding proposed has a range of implications for practice and for the development of practitioner capability through pre-registration training and beyond.Citation
Smith, S. (2018), "Integrated work-based placements – shifting the paradigm". Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 8 (2), pp. 134-150.Publisher
EmeraldJournal
Higher Education, Skills and Work-based learningAdditional Links
https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/HESWBL-09-2017-0059?journalCode=heswblType
Journal articleLanguage
enISSN
2042-3896ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1108/HESWBL-09-2017-0059
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